Ganymedes

ST. PAUL SPTEPS IN GREECE

 

FIRST DAY

TURKEY - GREECE (Borders) - KAVALA (Lunch, Dinner)

Depart Istanbul in the morning and drive to the Turkey / Greece border. Cross the border and driving via Alexandroupolis, the first Greek town.

                                                                            Kavala

Arrive in Kavala, Biblical Neapolis. As the port to  Philippi it prospered until devastated by Alaric’s Goths in 396 AD.

SECOND DAY

KAVALA - PHILIPPI - THESALONIKA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

In Byzantine times, Kavala was called Christoupolis (Christ’s Town) probably because so many saints, including Luke, Paul, Silas and Timothy had visited it in 43 AD. In the morning , tour the  city and see the Roman aqueduct that still spans the lower part of the town.

                         Roman Aqueduct in Kavala

Afterwards,  proceed to Philippi, where St. Paul preached his first evangelical sermons and baptized the first Christians on European soil. In Philippi churches dominate the extensive ruins. During our visit we will see the Acropolis, the Agora, Basilica and Theatre.

                                 Thessalonika                                                      Basilica in Philippi

In the afternoon we drive onto Thessalonika for overnight stay.

THIRD DAY

THESSALONIKI - KALAMBAKA, METEORA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After Thessaloniki city tour depart. We drive south into central Greece and the town of Kalambaka, the   town nestling at the foot of Meteora, a forest of twenty four perpendicular needles of rock.
Kalambaka, on the western edge of the Thessalian plain,  is dominated by a sheer cliff which rises 555 m above sea level.   Driving up to Meteora, see the shallow caves, occupied by hermits in the 11th century. The monasteries were built in the troublesome times of the 14th century. Visit two of the  monasteries time permiting.

                                                  Monasteries of Meteora

FOURTH DAY

KALAMBAKA, METEORA - DELPHI (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

                                         Theatre of Delphi                          Oracle of Delphi

Depart for a pleasant drive through picturesque villages and towns of central Greece to Delphi, perhaps the most famous place in the Classical World. Delphi’s majestic combination of legend, history, architecture and landscape inspires awe in the thousands of people who visit it each year. The principal sites include the Theatre and Stadium, the Castallian Spring and Marmária. In addition , visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and Oracle on Mount Pamassus. Overnight in Delphi.

 

FIFTH DAY

DELPHI - ATHENS (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

                                                     Bronze Charioteer

The tour continues with a visit to the archaeological museum. The principal exhibit is “The Bronze Charioteer”, a unique 5th century BC bronze statue. From Delphi we drive 176 kms to Athens for a three nights stay.

 

SIXTH DAY

CORINTH - MYCENAE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

                                               Ancient Corinth

Visit Ancient Corinth, place in wich St. Paul did most of his preachings. After that, drive South into the Peloponessos and get Mycenae, the mythcal rich in gold city of King Agamemnon, with the Cyclopean Walls and the Tholo Tombs. Get back to Athens for overnight.

                                                                            Corinth Canal

 

SEVENTH DAY

ATHENS (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

                             Acropolis of Athens                                      The Academy of Athens

An all day tour of Athens, the capital of Greece, and the cradle of civilization. Visit the world famous site of the immortal Acropolis that,  to this day,  dominates this ancient city. Marvel at the majestic ruins of the Parthenon the greatest Doric Temple ever built, the Erectheum, and the Propylaea. Ascend Mars Hill, view the partly restored Agora, the National archaeological museum, the Theatre of Dionysos and other sites. Overnight in Athens.

 

EIGHTH DAY

DEPARTURE (Breakfast)

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport included, or extend your saty in greece.